United States Drug Enforcement Administration

BOSTON – An East Longmeadow man was arrested yesterday on fentanyl and firearm offenses.

Carlos Gonzalez, 25, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Springfield on one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking felony. Following an initial appearance yesterday in federal court in Springfield before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Katherine A. Robertson, Gonzalez was detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for Aug. 23, 2022.

“The serious fentanyl and gun charges in this indictment reflect my office’s commitment to devote all the resources at our disposal to combat violence and drug trafficking wherever it occurs,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins.

“Fentanyl is causing deaths in record numbers and DEA’s top priority is to aggressively pursue anyone who distributes this poison,” said Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration in New England. “Illegal drug distribution ravages the very foundations of our families and communities so every time we take fentanyl off the streets, lives are saved. This investigation demonstrates the strength and continued commitment of our local, state and federal law enforcement partners here in Massachusetts.”

According to the indictment, on Jan. 25, 2022, Gonzalez allegedly possessed 400 grams or more of fentanyl intended for distribution and a Glock 9 mm semi-automatic handgun in furtherance of the fentanyl trafficking.

The charge of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl provides for a sentence of up to life in prison, up to six years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking felony provides for a sentence of up to life in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and DEA SAC Boyle Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration in New England made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd E. Newhouse of Rollins’ Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.